14 October 2016

Dear Parents,

As I write, the first Fluffy Friday of the year is in full swing (Facilitating learning and understanding on a Friday, in case you didn’t know why we call it Fluffy!), with children enjoying a range of activities from building dens on the Downs, to creating beautiful artworks, cooking delicious bakes and singing at the County School with their boys’ choir. Thank you so much to all of our parent helpers who have joined in today. It means we can offer so many more activities. We ask for just a pound per child to cover this extra special day so that we can provide such stimulating learning opportunities - thank you for sending in the much appreciated donations. These days give such exciting learning experiences to the children as they meet with others from across the school, tackle something new, or choose something that really interests them. When we visit our Year 7s at secondary school to see how they’ve settled in, it’s the thing they most miss about life at HTPD!

We’ve enjoyed hosting two Spanish teachers in school this week. They visited the school as part of an Erasmus EU-funded programme and were keen to find out about our teaching and learning approach. In their own school close to Madrid, they have developed some exciting ways to use technology in the class room and we found out from them some innovative uses for our new iPads. It’s so good to partner with schools internationally – partly because we learn so much from others, but also because we so enjoy seeing the children engage with visitors from overseas.

Remember that next week we finish early on Wednesday (12 o’clock at the infants and 12.15 at the juniors) for the start of the half term break. It’s been a great start to the year – thank you for all your continued support, enthusiasm and commitment to the school community. I look forward to seeing many of you at our annual bonfire night celebrations on November 4th. It’s always a fantastic whole school occasion. Make sure you put the date in your diaries and pre-book your tickets. Have a lovely half term!

INFANT

Flu immunisation Years 1 and 2Please return your flu immunisation consent form on Monday 17 October, if you have not already done so.

NUTSA reminder that we are a nut-free school. Please ensure that there are no nuts in packed lunches or in after-school snacks. We do have children with severe allergies who could become ill through any contact with nuts.

Run to Athens update week 4: 603 miles (total).

Lost
Delilah Blackley, Hazel Class, has lost two named Shackleton cardigans. Please check in case they have gone into the wrong PE or school bag by mistake.

Year 2: Christmas party- date to be announced.
Year 1: Friday 11th November - walk and talk for those parents who enjoy more active coffee morning, meet at PD after drop off.
Saturday 3rd December - Christmas Party at Marisa’s (bring a dish) from 7.30pm.
Year R: Thurs 3rd Dec - Christmas Drinks at the Weyside from 8pm.

Don't miss out - come and join us at the annual Pewley Family Disco on Sat 15th Oct 5.30-7.30pm. This is a great family friendly event that raises a huge amount for the school each year and a great excuse to get together. Tickets available on the door: £10 for a Family, Adults £4, Children £2. Pre-schoolers free.

IQ Cards: FINALCALL for all IQ Christmas Card orders. Please bring your completed order forms/Artwork to the school office by 9am Monday 17th Oct. Cheques should be payable to FOPS, child's name on reverse and 'Xmas cards'). Northbrook Fundraising: Don't forget to place your Northbrook order by Wed 19th Oct! Please hand in order forms to the school office.

Phil the Bag Collection - Thursday 3 November: A great reason to have a clear out over the half term and raise money for the school! Phil the Bag are coming to HTPD straight after half term. All unwanted textiles welcome - adult and children’s clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, hats, curtains, school uniform and bedding. The school receives 35 pence for every kilo we manage to collect, that’s £350 per tonne - so every item of clothing counts! Please note that Phil the Bag do not accept blankets, duvets, bric-a-brac, pillows, sleeping bags, rugs, carpet, offcuts of fabric, any WET items, tent canvas, soft toys and no ripped or stained clothing. Please also bear in mind that the clothing is for re-use so should be in a wearable condition.

Phoenix Trading: Your child will have brought home a Phoenix Trading brochure today. 10% of all orders will be given to FOPS. Please return your orders to the school office by Tuesday 18 October. If you want to order from the full range the website address is on the back of your brochure, or contact Suzie Speed 07780 677151.

Premier Tennis October half term special offer: Premier Tennis are once again returning to the Charterhouse Club this October half term for a fun-packed week of tennis, building on the success of the Summer camps. The camp is for children aged 5-15 years and we have a special offer as we are a partner school – £139 for a full week (usually £169) or £37 for individual days. Each camp day runs from 10am-4pm (early drop off and late pick up are available) and is packed with lots of fun games aimed at improving tennis technique, teamwork skills and self-confidence. To find out more, visit https://premiertennis.co.uk/camps If you would like to book, please call the Premier Tennis office on 01865 689754 and mention the school name.
SCL Holiday Clubs: Active play for 4-12 year old boys and girls. Soccer Schools and Club Energy will be running during Half Term, 24-28 October, and Christmas holidays (19-23 December). Check the website for more details: wearescl.co.uk/holiday-clubs.

JUNIOR

Inset DaysA reminder that school will be closed for Inset training and the half term holiday from midday on Wednesday 19th October (12.00 at Pewley Down and 12.15 at Holy Trinity). There will be no after-school clubs (or Clubs+) on Wednesday. We start back again on Monday, 31st October.

Lost
Ollie Newell in 6J has misplaced his ‘tube’ neck scarf. It’s a buff one - ½ grey fleece and ½ grey/white patterned material. Please check PE bags and school bags. This is precious to Ollie as he saved up for it himself!

HTSC News

Bingo NightA huge thank you to everyone who came along to the family bingo evening last Saturday. It was a big success and as always, Jes Moon our resident bingo caller made sure that fun was had by all. Thank you all for your support.

Bonfire Night and Christmas Fair planning meeting – Tuesday 18 October Please come along for a coffee and join the planning for Bonfire Night and the Christmas Fair. It would be great to see as many class reps as possible and hear any new ideas/input you may have.

Bonfire Night – Friday 4 November - 6pm-8pm Bonfire Night is fast approaching and is one of the biggest events of the calendar year. Tickets will be on sale at the entrance on the night, but if you wish to take advantage of the Early Bird prices, please download and complete the Early Bird order form on the school website and return it to the HT school office by Thursday 3 November. Cheques made payable to HTSC please.

As with all events, we need as much help as possible for Bonfire Night to run smoothly and be as successful as it has been in previous years. Please keep a look out for emails from your year/class reps asking for help on the night.

Phil the Bag – Week beginning 31 October (Collection Thursday 3 November) A great reason to have a clear out over the half term and raise money for the school! Phil the Bag are coming to HTPD straight after half term. All unwanted textiles welcome - adult and children’s clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, hats, curtains, school uniform and bedding. The school receives 35 pence for every kilo we manage to collect, that’s £350 per tonne - so every item of clothing counts!
Please note that Phil the Bag do not accept blankets, duvets, bric-a-brac, pillows, sleeping bags, rugs, carpet, offcuts of fabric, any WET items, tent canvas, soft toys and no ripped or stained clothing. Please also bear in mind that the clothing is for re-use so should be in a wearable condition.

Northbrook Wrapping - Don't forget to order – Deadline Wednesday 19 October! Don’t forget to place your Northbrook order! Please hand in your order form to the HT office by Wednesday 19 October.

07 October 2016

Dear Parents,

We really enjoyed the Maths Day that took place this week, and were thrilled that so many of you were also able to join us! When I spoke to the children about the event, they commented on how much fun maths was, how they’d loved explaining to you what they’d been up to, and how much they’d enjoyed finding something really tricky! These are all such important feelings to attach to maths and I’m sure the day will have long lasting positive impact on their maths understanding! We’d love to hear your thoughts too. Did you find the day helpful? Would you like us to run another similar day again? Can you suggest any ways that we could improve the event? Do drop me (clareb@htpd.surrey.sch.uk) or Claire Cruddas (clairec@htpd.surrey.sch.uk), our maths leader, an email with any suggestions or ideas. As you know, we’re working hard this year to provide opportunities for you to work in partnership with us and Tuesday was a great example.

In assembly this week, our hero has been Eric Liddell who showed such integrity when choosing not to run on a Sunday and ultimately to commit to a life of service in China. His story does remind us of the importance of staying true to yourself. The value he placed on taking a day off to pause and reflect on our life’s blessings is also a useful reminder to us. The children this week spent time in Thoughtful Times, doing exactly the same – reflecting on the aspects of their lives that bring them the most joy, as well as how, like Liddell they can serve others and make the world a better place.

It’s been great to see lots of children learning outside the classrooms this week. With Year 2 visiting the Farmers’ Market in Guildford town centre, Year 6 taking part in the Crown Court service at Holy Trinity Church, Year 5 exploring Hampton Court and Year 3 heading off to Marwell Zoo, I hope there have been plenty of opportunities to hear about the inspirational learning going on across the school. Huge thanks to all our teachers for planning both super days out, as well as going the extra mile in the classroom as well!

With best wishes, Clare

Inset DaysA reminder that school will be closed for Inset training and the half term holiday from midday on Wednesday 19th October (12.00 at Pewley Down and 12.15 at Holy Trinity). There will be no after-school clubs (or Clubs+) on Wednesday. We start back again on Monday, 31st October.

Parent governor electionThe deadline for return of ballot papers is noon on Monday, 17th October. Please ensure, when returning ballot papers, that the details on the outer brown envelope are completed.

Teaching Assistant vacancyWe are advertising for a part-time teaching assistant to be based at Pewley Down. Please see the ‘Vacancies’ tab on the website for details.

HTPD Prayer GroupThe HTPD prayer group meet once each half term to pray together for the school staff and pupils in their work and play. Between meetings we also share prayer needs via a prayer chain. Our first meeting this term will be on Monday 10 October at 2pm in the Pewley Down staff room over coffee and cake. For more information or to join the prayer chain please contact Suzie Speed on 07780 677151 or suziespeed@gmail.com.

INFANT

Year 1 Wisley visit, Monday 10 OctoberYear 1 are looking forward to their visit to Wisley on Monday. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch and water bottle in a small backpack. Keep an eye on the weather - we are hoping for sun, but please wear a suitable jacket! Please return your trip payment as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.

Club cancellation Drawing/colouring club with Sheena is cancelled next Thursday 13 October.

Fluffy Friday, 14 October (Years 1 and 2)Please remember to return your form with choices for fluffy activities as soon as possible.

Year 1: Friday 7th October - coffee morning at Saskia's house after drop off, 8 Newlands Crescent, GU1 3JS (15 minute walk from school) or short drive, parking in front of house Wednesday 12th October - drinks at Weyside Pub, 8pm Friday 11th November - walk and talk for those parents who enjoy more active coffee morning, meet at PD after drop off Saturday 3rd December - Christmas Party at Marisa’s (bring a dish) from 7.30pm

Year R:
Thursday 3rd November - drinks (details to follow).

Don't miss out - order your Disco tickets today. You should have received an order form in your child's book bag last week, for the Pewley Family Disco on Sat 15th Oct 5.30-7.30pm. This is a great family friendly event that raises a huge amount for the school each year and a great excuse to get together. Tickets cost: £10 for a Family, Adults £4, Children £2. Pre-schoolers free. Please return your completed forms to the school office by Friday 14th Oct.

IQ Cards: You should have received your child's very own Christmas card design in their book bags - please can completed order forms and monies (cash or cheque payable to FOPS, child's name on reverse and 'Xmas cards') be returned to the office by Friday 14th October.

Northbrook Fundraising: Get organised for Christmas and place your Northbrook order before half term. If everyone bought one roll of gift wrap this would make a tremendous difference to the school. Hand in your order form to the school office.

Years 5 and 6 Girls C Team Netball v Tormead at HT from 3.45 to 4.45pm
Parents to please help with small tea: biscuits and squash

Wednesday 12th OctoberYear 5 A & B Netball Teams against Tormead at Tormead (Cranley Road, GU1 2JD) after school to 5pm
Parents to please help with lifts and collect from Tormead
Please note that Year 5 & 6 netball club next Wednesday is cancelled due to the match at Tormead.

Thursday 13th OctoberYears 5 and 6 Football Round Robin Tournament at Boxgrove (Boxgrove Lane, Guildford, GU1 2TD) after school to 5.15pm
Parents to please help with lifts and collect from Boxgrove.

Surrey County Cricket Club ‘Pride of Lions’ Coaching Courses Courses begin the weekend of 8th October and run for 10 consecutive weeks. There are courses available at seven venues around Surrey including Downsend School, Ewell Castle School and Felton Fleet in Cobham to name but a few, taking cricketers from Reception up to school year group 11.

Led by Surrey County Cricket Club Coaches, these courses also form part of the Performance Player pathway and each player is provided with feedback and analysis identifying which areas are particular strengths and which may require more development.

If you require further information about the courses, please contact Katie Baker on 0207 820 4190 or email kbaker@surreycricket.com

For more information please see the flyer in Reception and on the Sports Notice Board
Laura Sutton
HTPD Sports Co-ordinator
Follow us on Twitter: @HTPDSport

Found: We have a girl’s sheepskin coat in the office which was handed in at the beginning of the week. Please check your wardrobes just in case!

Lost: Christopher H-B (3T) has lost his piano bag- navy blue music bag with books inside, all name labelled. If found please bring to the school office.

Menu - Week 2 - coming soon

HTSC News

Bingo Night – Saturday 8 October 6-8pm - SOLD OUT!Looking forward to seeing those of you who are coming on Saturday at what promises to be a great fun evening!

Could you please bring a small, wrapped prize for each ticket purchased costing no more than 50p (chocolate or sweets are ideal).

The lower playground will be open for parking. Gates open at 5.45pm

Class RepsWe are still looking for an additional class rep for both 5L & 6T. If you can help please contact Ros, Carrie or Jane (jrvickerman@yahoo.co.uk, carriewitts@gmail.com, janerosie@icloud.com).

Bonfire Night and Christmas Fair planning meeting – Tuesday 18 October - 9amWe will be holding a planning meeting for Bonfire Night and the Christmas Fair in the HT Staff Room at 9am.

Northbrook Wrapping - Don't forget to order!Why not get organised for Christmas and place your Northbrook order! Please hand in your order form to HT office. Deadline Wednesday 19 October.

Phil the Bag – Week beginning 31 OctoberPlease keep all your old clothes and shoes as we will be collecting them at HT during the week beginning 31 October (final collection day Thursday 3 November).

George Abbot School Support Staff Training Programme 2016-17
Have you ever considered working in your local school, either in the classroom as a Teaching Assistant or in an administrative role? This innovative seven week course (three weeks for admin) begins on Monday 23 January 2017. For further details please visit www.georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk and click on Teaching School. There's a 1 hour Information Event on Monday 7 November 2016 at 10 a.m. at George Abbot School. To book a place please contact Mrs Jackie Blackwood on 01483 888047 or email jblackwood@georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk. Applications close at 10am on Friday 25 November 2016.

Photography competition at Guildford Cathedral – an exciting opportunity for our pupils at HTPD, if you are interested please contact Charlotte at Guildford Cathedral on 01483 547 860